Job Description: Director of Community Engagement (2026-2027)
Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Newton, MA, seeks a Director of
Community Engagement (DCE), a Jewish professional role combining educational leadership,
community engagement, and program design and implementation. The DCE will help foster vibrant
Jewish communal life, Torah learning, and meaningful relationships across the congregation. Working in
partnership with our rabbi, staff, and lay leadership, the DCE will develop and lead educational, youth,
and intergenerational initiatives for members of all ages. The DCE is expected to attend synagogue
services regularly and help lead youth engagement and programming on Shabbat and Yamim Tovim.
This is a full-time, salaried position. The DCE reports to our rabbi and works closely with the
synagogue President and VP of Programming.
Responsibilities include educational leadership and programming in the following areas:
Youth and Family Jewish Education: Enhance family and youth education through new initiatives and
existing programs, including Bar/Bat Mitzvah learning, Shaarei Family Learning, and Shabbat and Yom
Tov morning groups. Provide leadership training and support for youth group leaders. Musical capability
(voice and/or instrument) is a plus!
Cohort and Intergenerational Programs: In collaboration with synagogue leadership, help organize
cohort-based and intergenerational programming for families, youth, and adults of all ages.
Communal Care: Under the guidance and mentorship of our rabbi and in partnership with our chesed
and inclusion committees, provide support for members who are ill, homebound, or isolated.
Torah Education: Help plan and implement our full array of Torah learning opportunities. Teach weekly
shiurim and classes for different cohorts, including weekday Torah classes for middle school and high
school students who attend public and private non-Jewish schools.
Communication and Planning: Maintain weekly communication with our rabbi, synagogue
administrator, and lay leaders. Coordinate programming and community engagement initiatives. Foster
relationships through in-person and digital communication. Assist with calendaring, marketing, program
evaluation, and weekly synagogue announcements, including occasional Torah content.
Governance: Occasionally attend synagogue board meetings and provide programming and
engagement updates.
Salary range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Contact: [email protected]